Lightweight Modular Payload Dispenser

Abstract

An apparatus that includes a munitions dispenser comprising a plurality of flicker assemblies. The flicker assemblies include a flicker arm and a guide wall arranged in a circular pattern.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus comprising:
 a munitions dispenser comprising a plurality of flicker assemblies, the flicker assemblies comprising:
 a flicker arm; and 
 a guide wall; 
   wherein the plurality of flicker assemblies are arranged in a circular pattern.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the flicker arm rotates about a center of rotation proximate an outer circumference of the munitions dispenser. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the guide wall comprises an arc such that a first end a second flicker arm distal to the center of rotation moves along the arc. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the flicker assemblies further comprising:
 a door hingibly attached at a first end to the guide; and   a latch at a second end of the door.   
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the latch further comprises:
 a bipolar magnetic latch comprising a first and second magnet pair;   wherein the first magnetic pair is arranged to magnetically repel each other and the second magnetic pair is arranged to magnetically attract each other.   
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , the munitions dispenser further comprising:
 a servo motor;   a plurality of sear latches;   a pawl; and   wherein the servo motor moves the plurality of sear latches to release the pawl such that the doors of each flicker assembly to be opened sequentially.   
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , the munitions dispenser further comprising:
 a servo motor;   a plurality of sear latches;   a pawl; and   wherein the servo motor moves the plurality of sear latches to release the pawl such that the doors of each flicker assembly to be opened simultaneously.   
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , the flicker assembly further comprising:
 at least one spring attached to the flicker arm and the guide wall.   
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , further comprising a plurality of munitions dispensers stacked such that they are controlled by the servo motor. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein each flicker arm works jointly with the guide wall of a corresponding flicker assembly to disperse a munition in a partial toroidal pattern such that the munitions dispenser disperses the munition in a toroidal pattern. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the magnetic force of the first magnetic pair is weaker than the attracting magnetic force of the second magnetic pair.